Blue Light by Night

by Gerald Lopez

  “I don’t know what to say. My sisters are entertaining a group of people tomorrow who do nude yoga. None of them will be staying here, but they’ll be coming back for the talk. I was gonna tell you about the yoga thing… that’s why I was looking for you. It was an embarrassing thing to have to mention.”

  “A naked body is nothing to be embarrassed about. And when it comes to telling me anything—just be honest. It’s better that way.”

  “Did you dance with her in the rain?”

  “Yes, but I wish it’d been you instead then we could’ve ended the dance and made love in the rain. Now, how about a new topic? Is your sister’s yoga group a religious group also?”

  “It’s some kind of funky group. To be honest, I try not to talk to my sisters about religion. They don’t like me to bring the subject up. But then you’re sort of religious yourself

  “I have a strong belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior… and I mean that literally. He helped me and my boys out of a few jams when I was in the military, I’ve told you that much. I’m not sure how much I believe in religion per se, but I do believe in Jesus.”

  “Would you like to see my workroom?”

  “Sure, just give me a sec to get dressed.”

  “No need. If we’re being honest… I prefer you like that.”

  Looks like I’ve been forgiven for leaving him out of my rain dance,” I thought.

  Alex walked to the brick wall, removed a brick and hit a switch. A door in the wall opened and he turned on a light switch, which revealed a staircase. For a detective, I wasn’t being very cautious but I was his and as such I had absolute faith and trust in him.

  Chapter 21

  Below Stairs

  My cousin Ronnie would be proud, my faith in people was being restored little by little. I followed Alex down those narrow stairs with no apprehension at all.

  Alex’s workroom was bright and modern. The brick walls were painted white and the floor was stained concrete with scattered white shag throw rugs. All along the walls at different heights were black and white photographs. Unlike the gallery in New Orleans these were all self-portraits—nude self-portraits. The room was open with a large work table against one wall, an expansive round table and folding chairs in the middle, and a modern, mirrored four-poster bed on the other side covered in white netting. It was a bed made for making love in. The photographs got more detailed and close up as I walked into the room.

  “If I wasn’t already in love with you, I would be after seeing these photographs. I feel like their glimpses into your soul and it’s bright and beautiful.”

  I went up to him and hugged him from behind wanting to have him right up against me and close. He turned to me and we kissed passionately.

  “I haven’t shared these with the world,” he said. “They feel too personal, too much a part of me.”

  “I understand,” I said. “Maybe I’d even be jealous if anyone else saw these. It’d be like you were sharing something with them even more intimate than your physical body.”

  “I really want to take your picture, Layton.”

  “I’d be honored. When?”

  “I’m not sure yet.”

  “Okay, but I have a price.”

  “What?”

  I took his hand and placed it in front of my rising towel.

  “Here, now, so I can be surrounded by pictures of you,” I said.

  “Can’t get enough of me, huh.”

  “Nope. I want all these photos on our bedroom walls one day.”

  He undid my towel and knelt down in front of me.

  “I think we’ll have to add several of you too as well,” he said. “I like looking at you too.”

  “Some of us together as well,” I said. “I want to be able to look at us together while we’re together.”

  We ended up in my room upstairs relaxing in each others arms. I kissed him then smiled.

  “Thanks for keeping me safe from any ghosts.”

  “My pleasure,” Alex said scooting up closer to me.

  “You’re not one hundred percent comfortable here, are you?”

  “No. I never really have been, Layton, but I’m glad you’re here with me. It makes it better.”

  “It’s a beautiful home,” I said. “But not where your heart is, huh.”

  “You’re where my heart is. But I think I’d like it if we found a physical home elsewhere. Just a thought, no pressure.”

  “I understand,” I said. “We’d better get some shuteye.”

  As I started slipping into sleep I wondered about this home, the Kennedys, and my Alex.

  * * * *

  I pulled on some shorts the next morning and headed to the kitchen to find something for breakfast. The kitchen was surprisingly spacious and the cabinets, fixtures, and walls were done in white. It had to be a modern addition to the home because of its size and style. I found eggs, nonstick spray, and a pan. Cooking utensils were on top of the counter in a white ceramic holder next to the stove. While I was scrambling the eggs I heard the click of high heels. Turning around I expected to see Noelle, but instead was greeted by Jessica, who was wearing a sheer pink baby doll nightie with nothing underneath, giving me a clear view of her small perky breasts along with everything else.

  “I’ll get the juice if you’ll cook me two eggs and some bacon,” she said.

  “Sure,” I said, looking down at her spaghetti-strap heels. “Did you drive over here wearing that?”

  “No, silly. Monique and I came over late last night, so we’d be here first thing this morning to check on things for the day.”

  “That explains everything,” I said, and smiled.

  Jessica bent over to look in the fridge, making sure I had a clear view of her small round ass. She handed me two eggs before going back in for the bacon.

  “Let me find another pan,” she said, handing me the bacon and checking to see if I’d noticed her now erect pink nipples poking through her baby doll nightie.

  After handing me a pan she’d grabbed from one of the lower cabinets, Jessica got some silverware, placemats, and napkins out of a drawer then set two places on the island. Afterward she went back to the fridge and took out a pitcher of orange juice.

  While cooking the bacon, I heard another set of heels clicking. They didn’t belong to Noelle either. It was Monique wearing only lavender panties and clear stiletto heels. The kind I always thought of as ‘stripper’ heels.

  “I was gonna go in the pool, but I smelled something good down here,” She said as she wrapped an arm around my bare waist. “I knew you’d have a nice body underneath those clothes, baby. How’s about cooking up some scrambled eggs and bacon for me too.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” I said.

  “I’ll set another place,” Jessica said.

  Monique ran her hands through my hair before going to sit at the center island.

  “I’d better warn you, Layton,” Jessica said. “My friends are coming over and we’re gonna do nude yoga in the courtyard. It’s spiritually uplifting.”

  “I’m ex-military, so nudity is no big deal to me.”

  “Good, then maybe you’ll join us,” Jessica said.

  “That’s a good idea,” Monique said.

  “Why not?” I said, checking the bacon. “Should we be eating before yoga?”

  “Yoga doesn’t begin for a while yet, we’re okay,” Jessica said.

  “Do you two usually wear high-heels early in the morning?” I said.

  Jessica walked to where I was and stood en-pointe.

  “I’ve been dancing since I was a baby,” she said. “My arches are high, so heels are much easier to wear than flats.” She ran her hands down her legs. “I don’t think they look so bad. Do you?”

  “No, it’s unique… like you.” Good save, Layton.

  Not one to be left out, Monique walked toward me.

  “I know my shoes look like cheap ‘stripper’ heels. But the plastic is good around wet areas like pools; they don’t get ruin
ed like suede and leather shoes do when they get wet. Oh, and for the record, the only plastic on me is in the shoes. Everything else is real.” She shook her breasts at me.

  “I didn’t doubt it for a minute, Monique. Could you get me some plates, please, ladies?”

  They got three plates and I divided the bacon and eggs between them.

  “Layton, why don’t you come out and swim with us after we eat,” Monique said.

  “Sounds good,” I said, putting my plate on the island and joining the two of them for breakfast. “So should I grab my swimsuit?”

  Both women shot me looks that didn’t need words.

  * * * *

  We finished eating and headed out back. I’d gone with them hoping to find out something to help with my investigation. I was hungry for any tidbits. To the far right of the courtyard I’d previously been on, behind a row of tall trees, was a second courtyard with a rectangular pool surrounded by outdoor recliners. There were also two tables with umbrellas. The girls each settled in a recliner and I did the same. Monique slipped her panties off and Jessica took her baby doll nightie off. I followed suit and slipped my shorts off before running and jumping into the deep end of the pool.

  Someone came running our way nude and did a cannonball into the pool. It was Alex, and we were soon splashing each other like little kids.

  “Oh God! Well, that certainly ruined the mood… thanks Alex!” Monique said, getting up from her recliner and leaving in a huff.

  Jessica put her baby doll nightie back on and walked to the edge of the pool. “Alexander Kennedy! You’d better not be here for my yoga class, understand?”

  “I hear ya,” Alex said.

  As soon as his sister and Monique were gone, Alex swam to me and gave me a hug and a sloppy wet kiss.

  “How’s about going out on the WaveRunner, Layton? It’ll get us away from my sister and Monique for a while. We’ll have to put on bathing suits, but that’s no biggie.”

  “Okay,” I said. “I seem to be Mr. Popular today.”

  “I’ll meet you at the dock,” Alex said, getting out on the side of the pool, giving me a nice clear view of his smooth white ass.

  * * * *

  I went upstairs and put on my swim trunks and flip-flops then headed out to the dock. On the way there I spotted Noelle sitting on a bench reading a book under a live oak tree.

  “So there you are,” I said. “You abandoned me in a house full of barracudas.”

  “Good morning, Layton. So glad to see you survived the attack.”

  “I may have survived, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to question anyone. Hopefully, at yoga I’ll get an opportunity to do some detective work.”

  “Good luck.”

  I started to walk away, then turned around. “I thought of something last night after I went to bed.”

  “What?”

  “If those source bones were glowing last night, does that mean there was another attack? Do you know if the blue lights attacked anyone last night, Noelle?”

  “I was wondering about that myself, Layton, but so far I haven’t heard anything. I’ll let you know if I do.”

  “Thanks,” I said, turning back toward the bayou. Eventually I came to the wood dock and walked to the end of it. A yellow and white WaveRunner was already there waiting for us. I looked across the water and tried again to figure out what was nagging at me. Something I’d seen was trying to speak to me and spill its secrets. It wasn’t the blue flame or all the talk of sexual energy… there was something else. Something having to do with my purpose for being in Shelby.

  “Layton!”

  “Nice swimwear,” I said, admiring Alex. The thin, white, square-cut Speedos, white T-shirt, and flip-flops he wore took my breath away. He was right last night when he’d told me that I couldn’t get enough of him. It wouldn’t take much for me to jump him and do him right here on the dock.

  “You ready for a ride, big guy,” Alex said.

  “I’m ready for a ride alright, and I think it’s just about my turn, you tease.”

  He laughed before taking off his shirt and flip-flops and dropping them down on the dock. He swung a leg over the WaveRunner and once he was seated, he waved me over. “C’mon, Layton!”

  After leaving my flip-flops next to his, I got on behind him and wrapped my arms around him snuggly. I couldn’t resist laying my head on his shoulders and closing my eyes to bask in the experience. That’s when the bastard hauled ass on the damn machine, making me hold on tight, with him laughing the whole time.

  Enough of this shit. I gently squeezed the top of Alex’s shoulder with my thumb and forefinger. The small jolt of pain was enough to make him stop. He turned around and slapped my hand. I grabbed him with the intention of planting a kiss on him when the WaveRunner tipped over on its side. Popping my head up from under the water and looking around I didn’t see any gators or snakes, but I didn’t see Alex either. Getting panicked, I went under the water and spotted him. His hair was tangled in the branch of a submerged tree, from which he was desperately trying to get loose. I swam to him and tried to get his hair loose, but to no avail. Reaching for the branch, I found a thin spot and kicked it with my foot, breaking it off. Grasping his arm, I managed to get us both to the surface where he began breathing heavily. One look in his eyes and there was no holding back anymore… we embraced and then kissed with a passion more intense than ever. It was a desperate, fevered kiss. I left his mouth to suck on his neck and then began kissing him again, parting his lips with my tongue until I found his tongue.

  “We need to stop and turn the WaveRunner over,” Alex said in between my kisses.

  “No,” I protested. “I don’t ever want to stop.” But I did stop, and with some struggle we put the WaveRunner upright again.

  Poor Alex still had a piece of branch in his hair, which would have to be worked out later.

  “Your turn to drive, Layton.”

  I got on the WaveRunner and gave him a hand up behind me. He showed me how to drive the thing, then wrapped his arms around me. Not used to driving one of these machines I went very slow at first. Once I got the hang of it, I was speeding and driving around the trees recklessly, but I was deliriously happy. Happy that is until my passenger decided to give my nipple a hard pinch.

  “Oww!” I said. “What gives?”

  “Payback for what you did to my shoulder,” Alex said before laughing.

  It was time to get off of this infernal machine, fun though it was. I drove back to the dock where Alex jumped off and tied the WaveRunner down. He then gave me a hand onto the dock.

  “Won’t somebody steal this thing if you leave it out here?”

  He answered me while putting on his flip-flops and picking up his T-shirt. “One of the estate workers will get it put away properly later. Now, I’d better go deal with this tree branch in my hair.”

  “I’ll help you… ” I stopped short. Alex was facing me, his swimsuit had gone sheer and I could see everything.

  “Maybe I should just buzz cut all my hair.”

  “No, please don’t cut your hair,” I said, while slipping into my flip-flops.

  “Why not?”

  “Because I like it.”

  “Well I don—”

  While he was mid-sentence, I walked up to him, threw him over my shoulder, and headed back toward the house. There was no one around, so I reached up, yanked down his swimsuit, and lightly bit his sweet ass before pulling his swimsuit back up again. He responded by pulling one of my leg hairs. I spun him around in circles until we both fell on the grass laughing like kids, then we started kissing again. Entangled together, we rolled and kissed. When we finally stopped, he was lying on top of me with my hands tucked into the back of his still wet swimsuit.

  “You feel nice,” I said.

  “Thank you for saving me yet again,” Alex said, kissing my chest. “You’re making it kind of a habit.”

  “It was kind of my fault. If I hadn’t pinched your shoulder you
wouldn’t have been in danger.”

  “Yeah, but I did speed off when you were being so sweet laying your head on my shoulder, and that wasn’t very nice of me.”

  “You can make it up to me later.”

  “No I can’t. Remember, my sisters don’t like me around during their events. I’ve gotta go home anyway.”

  “Okay. Do you need a ride?”

  “No. You unloaded those bikes we brought back last night and I always keep one here that I can use. I love you for offering though.”

  “I love you period, and I’ll miss you tonight,” I said. “Thank you for loving me.”

  “That’s the least I could do for my constant hero,” he said.

  We kissed then I stood and gave Alex a hand up. I didn’t let his hand go until we came within view of the mansion. Reality would intrude again sooner then expected.

  Chapter 22

  Jessica Time

  Alex and I went into the kitchen where I found a knife to cut up the branch that was in his hair. Once I’d cut all but a small piece away I was able to untangle his hair from it.

  “I surrender,” I said, looking deeply into his eyes before kissing him until he wrapped his arms around me.

  “I hate to interrupt,” Noelle said.

  “I’d better clean up and go. I’ll see you tomorrow, Layton.”

  “If only you could see your face right now. Such a hound dog look,” Noelle said, once Alex had gone.

  “Guess I don’t look very professional right now.”

  “No, but you look very human. There’s some intense chemistry between you two. I think it’s great and I’m happy for you both. Only, Layton, be careful. You didn’t hear me enter the room, did you?”

  “No, which is rare for me. I was completely in the moment and I know what the consequences of not being alert can be.”

  “No need to beat yourself up. I just wanted to make you aware of it.”